Biology and Behavior Assessment

Genes, DNA

Basic building blocks of heredity

central nervous system

Part of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord

dendrites

Small fibers branching out from axon

cerebrum

The large mass of the forebrain, consisting of two hemispheres

somatic nervous system

The part of a neuron that produces the energy needed for the activity of the cell

Biological psychology

Study of the physical and chemical factors that influence or cause behavior and mental processes

visual cortex

Located in the occipital lobe

left hemisphere

Typically controls word recognition

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands

endorphins

Release results in little fatigue or discomfort after a big match

MRI

Technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer images of structures within the brain

hypothalamus

Damage can cause unusual drinking and eating behaviors

peripheral nervous system

Main function is to transmit information from the central nervous system to other parts of the body

neurotransmitters

Chemicals that travel across the synapse to another cell

autonomic nervous system

Directly controls the digestion of last night's dinner

Broca's area and Wernicke's area

Damage can cause difficulties in producing and understanding speech

limbic system

Most affected function after sustaining damage

multiple sclerosis

Disease where immune system attacks myelin wrapped around nerve cell fibers

acetylcholine and dopamine

Examples of neurotransmitters that help control movement

brainstem

Part of the human brain most like that of a fish

CAT scan

Imaging technique used to study the brain

two major divisions of the nervous system

Peripheral and central nervous systems

Cerebral cortex

Most active part of the brain in decision-making

frontal lobe of the brain

Severe damage results in difficulty making and carrying out plans

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Brain-imaging technique that produces the most detailed picture of brain structure

left cerebral hemisphere

Primary localization of speech functions for most people

hippocampus

Component of the limbic system essential in the formation of new memories

neuron

Fundamental building block of the nervous system

cerebral cortex

Relative amount of brain mass devoted to in the human brain

Prozac

Functions as an antidepressant medication by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Neurotransmitter most directly associated with Alzheimer's disease

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation and emotional balance.

Axon Terminal

The end of an axon that sends signals to other neurons.

Central Nervous System

The large mass of the forebrain, consisting of two hemispheres.

Somatic Nervous System

The part of the nervous system responsible for voluntary movement of muscles.

Cerebrum

The part of the brain responsible for conscious thoughts, senses, memory, and voluntary movements.

Biological Psychology

The study of physical and chemical factors that influence behavior and mental processes.

Axon

A long fiber that carries signals away from the cell body of a neuron.

Visual Cortex

Located in the occipital lobe, responsible for processing visual information.

Left Hemisphere

Typically controls language and logical reasoning.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that help relieve pain and induce feelings of pleasure.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain responsible for coordination, balance, and motor control.

Peripheral Nervous System

Transmits information between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses to other cells.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion.

Broca's Area and Wernicke's Area

Brain regions involved in speech production and comprehension.

Limbic System

Involved in emotions, behaviors, and forming memories.

Multiple Sclerosis

A disease where the immune system attacks nerve cell fibers' myelin.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where signals are transmitted.

Digestion

Most directly controlled by the somatic nervous system.

CAT Scan

An imaging technique used to study the brain.

Decision-Making

Most active in the cerebral cortex of the brain.

Obesity

A brain tumor causing this is likely located in the area of the hypothalamus.

Frontal Lobe Damage

Affects the ability to make and carry out plans.

Temporal Lobe Stimulation

Causes the patient to hear sounds when stimulated.

Parasympathetic Division

Establishes homeostasis after a fight-or-flight response.

Brain Injury Symptoms

Seeing and hearing difficulties indicate damage in the occipital and temporal lobes.

Speech Functions

Primarily localized in the left cerebral hemisphere for most people.

Hippocampus

Component of the limbic system essential for forming new memories.

Neuron

Fundamental building block of the nervous system.

Alzheimer's Disease

Most directly associated with a decrease in acetylcholine levels.